Those looking for a break to relax and recoup in style during a yachting voyage around Southeast Asia, are finding exceptional luxury Hotel Spas & Wellness stops to be a great option.
Known for homegrown practices in massage therapy and holistic treatments, Southeast Asia’s spas take on an array of forms from posh resorts to quick-fix massage parlors tucked away in city side streets.
The featured spa & wellness listings below promise a wide range of treatments, mostly centered around achieving a balance between mind, body, and spirit. Techniques used include yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, therapeutic massage and acupressure (among many others), with all but one located in a 5-star environment.
Many of Southeast Asia’s finest luxury hotel spas and wellness retreats are easily accessible from visiting yachts on the popular island destinations of Maldives, Thailand’s Phuket & Koh Samui islands, Malaysia’s Langkawi, India’s Andaman Islands, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Singapore.
Maldives
Huvafen Fushi – Otherworldly Beauty & Underwater Spa – North Male Atoll
Rejuvenate and restore. Soothe and inspire. The Huvafen Spa is a refuge for body and soul. Expert practitioners cultivate wellness and a lasting sense of calm with massages, facial treatments and full-body therapies. Here, modern techniques meet Maldivian traditions.
UNDERWATER – Be spirited away to an underwater realm. The first-in-the-world underwater spa is a haven of pure rejuvenation and a space to nurture wellbeing, amid a kaleidoscope of marine life. Awaken to a world of healing. Step eight metres below the surface to a secret underwater world to the first – and only – underwater spa treatment rooms in the world. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
OVERWATER – The treatment pavilions poised above water will draw you into their soothing surroundings. Feel the calming aura and listen to the waves lapping as you gaze through the glass floor as you drift into a state of serenity.
Photo credit: Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Thailand
Phuket – Anantara Mai Krao – Phuket Villas – Spa & Wellness
A peaceful sanctuary within the luxury Phuket Spa Resort. Walk on water and into a treatment suite for two, hidden away amidst lush foliage. Soak in an alfresco bath before laying side by side for bespoke massages. Revive from the inside with yoga, Ayurveda and juice cleanses. Anantara Spa offers award-winning wellness journeys overlooking a lagoon filled with blooming lotuses.
Spa Facilities – Six couples’ treatment suites set around the lagoon; indoor and outdoor baths and rain shower; steam rooms; nail and hair salon; spa boutique with award-winning Comfort Zone and Anantara Spa products; in-villa services available on request.
Signature Spa Treatments: Chakra crystal balancing (60 minutes). Breathe in as the therapist surrounds your body with healing crystals, from the radiating love of Rose Quartz to Aquamarine’s self-empowerment. Select the crystal-infused oil that resonates with you, then succumb to a healing massage. Soothing singing bowls open and close this purifying ritual.
Photo credit: Anantara Mai Krao – Phuket Villas
Koh Samui – Kamalaya Koh Samui – Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa
For the second year in a row, the iconic Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa on the Thai island of Koh Samui scooped the top accolade of Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year. As of January 2023, integrative health will be at the top of Kamalaya’s menu following the launch of its new integrative health facility, Longevity House.
Kamalaya offers holistic health solutions for anxiety, stress and numerous other challenges. Here you can reconnect with your inner self and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit surrounded by nature, combining ancient Eastern healing traditions with Western medical research.
Photo credit: Kamalaya Koh Samui
Malaysia
Langkawi – The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Offering six overwater spa pavilions, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Langkawi offers an ethereal experience in physical form. Even the treatment rooms at this resort spa appear to float on a wave of relaxation. Whether an exquisite treatment from The Ritz-Carlton’s global collection or a ritual inspired by the indigenous healing and beauty ceremonies -practiced for thousands of years by local shamans and midwives- each experience aims to restore the equilibrium within your body, mind and soul so that you reach a state of complete harmony.
The Mandi Bunga-inspired ritual, for example, takes its cue from the bathing rituals of Malay royal houses. But instead of dispelling bad energy, this treatment eradicates stress and tension with a combination of massage, fragrant oils, herbs and flowers. Additional services at this resort spa include therapeutic rituals for the face and body, as well as a selection of treatments developed especially for gentlemen. Of its six treatment rooms, three can accommodate couples. The spa also offers a spacious deck and the island’s only Hammam.
Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Langkawi
India
Andaman Islands – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Luxury Resort on Havelock Island
In the lap of our universe, an intricate dance ensues between the five sacred elements – Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jal, and Prithvi. In this delicate rhythm, the path toward holistic healing unfolds. Seek this ancient wisdom at J Wellness Circle -a sanctum rooted in ancient Indian healing sciences of Ayurveda & Yoga- and elevated by luxuries of old-world Indian royalty.
Embark on a journey through your inner world. Immerse yourself in healing energies and experiences. Awaken to a revived consciousness, guided by soothing scents, serene sounds, and touch – gentle, yet transformative. When you emerge, find your mind, body & soul aligned and in harmony. Signature Experiences include Sushupti and Vishrama massages, Indian Therapies and Spa Indulgences, Body Scrubs and Wraps, Yoga, Beauty, and Meditation.
Photo credit: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Sri Lanka
Colombo – Thusare Talking Hands Spa – something different
Thusare Talking Hands is an Acupuncture and Shiatsu centre with visually impaired Therapists, doing all treatments with clothes on and without oils. This kind of wellness centre is different from the usual yoga and meditation practices and very special – definitely deserves a visit when in Colombo.
The spa provides therapeutic massages using a Japanese acupressure technique called Shiatsu. The company provides extensive training and economic empowerment for previously unemployed, visually impaired Sri Lankans who, as highly skilled therapists, bring the additional benefit of having exceptionally high sensitivity to touch. Therapy is delivered in an open area and provides relaxation, mental satisfaction and numerous other health benefits.
Photo credit: Thusare Talking Hands
Seychelles
Félicité (Private Island) – Six Senses Zil Pasyon Spa
The resort’s signature Six Senses Spa will move you to another level. It has five treatment villas specialising in Seychellois and African-inspired scrubs, wraps and massages, and a yoga pavilion built on the rocks amid lush foliage.
The Six Senses Zil Pasyon is located on Félicité, a private island where massive granite rocks and white sand beaches create an air of drama and beauty. Created with the renowned Six Senses flair, the resort is a very personal destination that embraces nature while offering every creature comfort imaginable. The spa features five double treatment villas that offer a wide range of local and African-inspired holistic wellness and rejuvenation treatments that are designed around the natural giving properties of the island’s fauna, flora and eco-system.
Photo credit: Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Singapore
ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa
ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa ranks among the most luxurious in the country. It serves as a one-stop destination for total relaxation and rejuvenation and offers an oasis amidst a bustling and lively island resort.
Over 10,000 square metres of manicured landscaped gardens, pools and ponds are set against a backdrop of picturesque sea views and jungle-covered hillsides. Spa-goers can select from 24 multi-functional treatment rooms with beautiful views, 2 Private Spa Suites overlooking the reflection pond, or 2 Beach Villas with dramatic sea views. Separate men’s and women’s facilities include a Vitality Pool with air & water massage jets, an icy Plunge Pool, and a Sauna with uninterrupted views over the pools and walkways that converge at a Japanese Onsen-style pool. The first-in-Singapore authentic Turkish Hammam is the highlight of the spa.
Photo credit: ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa
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These are just a few spa & wellness examples to be found in Southeast Asia, suggested by the Asia Pacific Superyacht offices of each region. Your agent will be happy to share local knowledge of these top yachting destinations’ spa & wellness retreat visits customised to your personal wishes.
www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com
